Last updated on December 20, 2023.

Balanced Rock is a popular rock formation and short trail at Arches National Park in Utah. It’s the sixth stop along Arches Scenic Drive, just before the turn to the Windows Section.

Balanced Rock at Arches National Park in Utah
Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock at Arches National Park in Utah
Balanced Rock

The fragile formation was created by erosion and looks like a giant boulder carefully balanced on top of a pedestal, although it’s actually not balanced at all. It’s a total of 128 feet tall. The boulder has a height of 55 feet and weighs 3,600 tons. Eventually, nature will take its course and the boulder will fall off its pedestal.

Balanced Rock at Arches National Park in Utah
A closer look
Balanced Rock at Arches National Park in Utah
Another look at the rock

A short and easy 0.2 mile trail takes you around the rock formation, which looks different from every angle. The views from the trail are also excellent. Also, the rock takes on different colors at sunset.

Balanced Rock at Arches National Park in Utah
A look from the trail
Balanced Rock at Arches National Park in Utah
It doesn’t look very “balanced” from this side
View from Balanced Rock at Arches National Park in Utah
View from the trail

 

Panorama Point

Shortly after the turn to the Windows Section is Panorama Point. From this area, you can get a panoramic look at the Fiery Furnace in the distance as well as the Windows Section.

Fiery Furnace from Panorama Point at Arches National Park in Utah
Fiery Furnace from Panorama Point
Fiery Furnace from Panorama Point at Arches National Park in Utah
Fiery Furnace from Panorama Point
Windows Section from Panorama Point at Arches National Park in Utah
Windows Section from Panorama Point

 

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Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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